The court’s unanimous landmark ruling last month brought an end to a thirty year long logging dispute in B.C. Depending on one’s point of view the ruling either means greater clarity around First Nations rights, or another obstacle to natural resource development.

The Fraser Institute warns if two sides can’t come to a deal, it could lead to governments “justifiably infringing” on Aboriginal rights for the greater good of the country.”The judgment makes it clear that the responsibility of demonstrating the need to infringe on Aboriginal title to pursue projects, including resource development, will be the responsibility of the Crown, not project proponents,” said the Vancouver-based conservative public policy organization. “This will result in governments playing a more active role in projects they deem are of national importance.”

While the high courts ruling does clarify First Nations rights there is a chance it could lead to more discord rather harmony when it comes to negotiations.